President Donald J. Trump is seen on the phone aboard Air Force One Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, as he talks with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey about the latest impact update on Hurricane Michael. | Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian / Wikimedia Commons

Susan Monarez, who only recently assumed the role of director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been removed from her position, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.

Officials confirmed the abrupt ousting to the outlet.

Monarez, a veteran federal scientist, had been nominated by President Donald Trump after his initial choice, former GOP Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.), was withdrawn amid criticism over his views on vaccines and autism.

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Monarez received her confirmation in July.

Several CDC staff members, who also spoke anonymously about internal affairs, indicated that a planned agency-wide call scheduled for Monday was canceled on Friday — adding to the sense of turmoil.

This leadership shake-up comes as the agency grapples with the fallout from a violent incident earlier this month: a gunman attacked the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters on August 8, prompting a lockdown that ended in tragedy with the death of a police officer.

Law enforcement officials, neighbors, and the suspect’s father reported that he held the coronavirus vaccine responsible for his health issues.

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Meanwhile, the report of Monarez's removal led to strong reactions on social media, including from medical researchers.

CNN medical analyst Jonathan Reiner wrote on the social platform X: "Wow. This is possibly related to the aftermath of the shooting at the CDC and subsequent silence of the president. But its net effect now is to put full operational control of vaccine policy back in RFK’s hands. This is a big net negative for the country."

Abraar Karan, an infectious disease doctor and researcher at Stanford University, wrote: "Wow- another change in CDC leadership. We need transparency on why."

Political reporter Aaron Blake wrote: "IRS Commissioner Billy Long: Senate-confirmed, then ousted 53 days into the job.
CDC head Susan Monarez: Senate-confirmed, then reportedly ousted 28 days into the job."